DRAKENSBERG BOYS CHOIR UK TOUR 2024 TICKETS ON SALE FROM TODAY!

JOHANNESBURG, SOUTH AFRICA, 10 JUNE 2024 - The Drakensberg Boys Choir School (DBCS) is excited to announce that tickets for the highly anticipated UK tour are now on sale from today, 10 June 2024. The Drakensberg Boys Choir, or Drakies as they are fondly referred to, is a world-class South African treasure that brings diverse music lovers the most beautiful music across classic choral, contemporary African, and entertaining Afro-pop genres. The Choir will showcase their musical talents to UK audiences during their upcoming tour to England from 20 to 30 September.

"The United Kingdom (UK) tour in September promises to be a true highlight. UK audiences will be able to delight in the renowned vocal and rhythmic qualities of this esteemed boys' choir and their balanced repertoire and prowess in both classical choral concert music by Mozart and Carl Orff, as well as African and Afro-pop genres made famous by Miriam Makeba, Mango Groove and Johnny Clegg, bringing the kind of music to UK stages that made Lebo M's Lion King score such a West End hit!" says Vaughan van Zyl, DBCS Artistic Director.

If you are in and around England, the Drakensberg Boys Choir invites you to join them for an evening of enchanting music and cultural celebration, supporting their mission to build resilience, grow relationships, and foster global ambassadors through the power of music. The Tour Schedule is as follows:

Concert ticket prices vary according to the specific concert venue and are available for purchase on the Eventbrite website starting today. Simply visit https://share.stone.consulting/Drakies_UK_24 to book any of the concerts.

British audiences can look forward to experiencing a captivating blend of classical masterpieces and infectious pop hits. The repertoire will range from the timeless compositions of Carl Orff and Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart to the vibrant rhythms of Afro-pop and traditional African contemporary works, promising to enchant audiences of all tastes. The melodic genius of Ola Gjeilo, Knut Nystedt, and other celebrated composers will be offered during the tour.

“To make the tour a reality, additional funding is required to cover costs such as flights, UK ground travel, accommodation, and subsistence. Brand South Africa has already pledged a year-long partnership with Drakies and supported the UK tour. The Brand South Africa collaboration recognises the Choir's iconic status and Drakies' ability to inspire, empower, and celebrate active South African diversity through art,” states DBCS Executive Head Dave Cato.

Africa-wide broadcast house Multichoice and communication firm Stone are among the other brand supporters who have provided services or funding for the tour. “We welcome additional funding partners to support our boys as they represent the nation. Partners will receive brand exposure before, during, and after this high-exposure tour in recognition of their contributions in proportion to their value,” says Cato.

The school is a Christian institution dedicated to nurturing young men of exemplary character through music, academics, sports, and social enrichment. Recognised as a South African national asset, the choir is celebrated for its premium music brand and international acclaim. "Drakies is blessed and fortunate to bring choral and music lovers across the globe the most beautiful and entertaining music, either through live performances, streaming or recordings of their outstanding work. Music is our ministry, and we look forward to carrying this message of hope abroad to English audiences," adds Cato. “The school's internationally recognised programme combines choral singing and performance with rigorous academic training, sports, and outdoor activities. The boys graduate from DBCS Middle School in South Africa's majestic Drakensberg mountains as well-adjusted young men ready to face the challenges of late high school and beyond,” he says.

"For many of our talented boys, attending this world-class choir school is a long-held dream come true. The blessing of talent does not only come to boys from families that can afford to pay for their children's unique education in the Drakensberg. Unfortunately, a boy's world-class talent cannot be realised due to a lack of funding. As a result, the Drakies bursary fund is critical in providing deserving boys with the opportunity to perform on the world choir stage, an honour that they would not have had without generous donations to our bursary fund," explains Terence Sibiya, Chairperson of the Drakensberg Boys Choir School Board of Directors.

England offers an unparalleled experience with its rich history, culture, and charm. The Drakie boys will visit iconic landmarks during the tour in addition to their packed concert programme. Drakies has a strong tradition of international tours, having performed in St. Peter's Square, where Pope John Paul II invited them in 1983, and for Nelson Mandela in Drakensberg, a South African world heritage site. The choir was the first South African cultural group to perform behind the Iron Curtain in 1985. They also performed at the American Choral Directors' Association Congress in 2007.

For further details and ticket purchases, please visit the Eventbrite website or contact the concert organisers at https://share.stone.consulting/Drakies_UK_24.

FIN
​(862 words)

Willem S Eksteen

DBCS Board Director, Stone on behalf of Drakensberg Boys Choir School

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